WATCH: NBA rookies discuss what it's like guarding LeBron James

On NBATV’s Open Court, a panel of four rookies — the best of the 2017 NBA Draft class — gave their opinion on who the toughest players are to guard in the NBA. Among the answers, of course, LeBron James.

Chicago Bulls power forward Lauri Markannen, a sweet-shooting big man that’s drawn comparisons to the likes of Dirk Nowitzki and Kristaps Porzingis, said the toughest player to guard was James.

He may have had the funniest quote of the night, stating that he “tried [his] best but [James] scored every time”.

The answers are matchup-based, with James playing the power forward position that Markannen mans a lot of the time in the the Cavs offense and Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell playing in the backcourt like Houston Rockets guard James Harden and Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving.

Ben Simmons, a 6-foot-10 point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, also listed James. James has been a mentor for Simmons since he came into the league and Simmons’ athleticism, size, basketball IQ and passing ability could allow him to have a similar impact on day.

However, there’s no doubt that players like a sensational ball-handler and scorer like Irving or a foul-drawing machine like Harden are tough guards. Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson is the lone player who isn’t known for creating the bulk of his own shots but he’ll heat up from beyond the arc and change the complexion of any game.

James, still one of the most athletic players in the NBA at 33-years-old, is also one of the strongest players in the league as well. His physical prowess combined with his versatile scoring game makes a player with the highest IQ in the league a tough guard. Factor in James’ ability to see the court and make spectacular passes, it’s easy to see why his star shines the brightest in the NBA.

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